Record supplied by certificate of witnesses, how
If marriage records are lost or destroyed, and the person who performed the wedding is dead, missing, or won't provide a certificate, two people who witnessed the wedding can sign a sworn statement. That statement must include the names of the people who got married, the name of the person who performed the wedding, and the date. Once filed at the county recorder's office, that sworn statement counts as evidence of the marriage in Missouri courts.
451.190. supplied by of witnesses, how. — If the minister or officer who any marriage, the record of which has been lost or destroyed, be dead, refuse to give a certificate as required by section 451.170, or his whereabouts be unknown, it shall be lawful for two who witnessed such marriage to make to the fact, giving the names of the persons, the name of the minister or officer officiating, and the date of such marriage, which shall be filed and in the of such county, which affidavit, or thereof, shall be of such marriage in any court in this state.
(RSMo 1939 § 3642)
Prior revisions: 1929 § 3252; 1919 § 10614; 1909 § 10425
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Legal information, not legal advice. Always confirm with the official source at revisor.mo.gov.